Restraining orders offer vulnerable individuals a form of protection and safety against potential harm or abuse by another party. While the law can provide a range of different types of restraining orders according to the circumstances, it is essential that they be issued justly and only when legally necessary.
One of the main reasons for this is that restraining orders are typically a matter of public record, meaning that anyone who carries out a background check on an individual has access to this information about them. This can have potentially damaging and far-reaching consequences that can affect many areas of the person’s life, such as their employment prospects, housing situation, and child custody rights. You can find out more about this issue by visiting the restraining orders public record.
In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the different types of restraining orders that can be issued and offer guidance on key concerns.
Common Types of Restraining Orders
There are several types of restraining orders, sometimes referred to as protection orders or no-contact orders, and these will vary depending on the situation and level of threat involved. While different states may issue different types of restraining orders, the most common types are as follows:
- Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO): This is a court order that protects an individual from the threat of abuse from a spouse, intimate partner, or family member. A DVRO may order someone to keep a certain distance from the protected person, cease all forms of communication with them, or move out of their shared residence.
- Emergency Protective Order (EPO): An EPO provides immediate and temporary protection to an individual while they await a court to issue a more permanent restraining order. EPOs are commonly issued by the police in response to domestic violence incidents.
- Civil Harassment Restraining Order: This type of order is issued in non-domestic situations, such as those involving abuse, threats of violence, harassment, and stalking. The parties involved may be neighbors, friends, co-workers or other non-family members.
- Criminal Restraining Order (CPO): This is usually issued as a part of a criminal investigation. For example, where an assault charge has been filed against an individual, a court may issue a CPO requiring them to stay away from and not communicate with the other party. A CPO is intended to protect victims of crimes and witnesses.
- Elder or Dependent Abuse Restraining Order: This protects an elder, over 65 years of age or a dependent adult from physical or financial abuse, neglect or isolation by a caregiver.
What if Someone Issues a Restraining Order Against You?
If someone has issued a restraining order against you, it is advisable to seek legal assistance from a criminal defense attorney who can help defend you against any allegations made and assist in gathering the necessary evidence, as well as prepare for the hearing. This will improve your chances of having the restraining order dismissed and is important to protect your freedoms as well as your record and reputation.
Understanding the impact a restraining order can have on both your private and personal life is crucial and something that should be discussed with an experienced attorney.
